prognosis

Last reviewed 03/2022

The prognosis of chronic pancreatitis is dependent on age and adherence to medical therapy such as abstinence from alcohol.

Chronic pancreatitis may burn out after many years as the gland atrophies and malabsorption and diabetes develop. Overall, about 25-30% die within 10 years.

Pancreatic cancer develops in approximately 4% of patients with a 20 year history of chronic pancreatitis.